OXFORDSHIRE were denied a place in the NCCA Championship final after Berkshire beat Herefordshire by an innings and 20 runs to top Western Division 1.

The hosts had to gain maximum points at Falkland CC to leapfrog their rivals, who had played all their matches, at the summit.

Berkshire were in control from day one and bowled Herefordshire out for 192, before posting 374/9 in their 90 overs.

The visitors took five wickets before the close yesterday and mopped up the tail this morning as the visitors fell for 162.

It was enough to see Berkshire finish three points ahead of reigning champions Oxon, who beat Suffolk in last year's final.